Stone Countertops Are The Jewel Of Your Home
Granite countertops are one of the most popular features in Southwest Florida homes—and for good reason. They’re beautiful, durable, and add real value to a kitchen or bathroom. But one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners across Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, and Punta Gorda is:
“I was told granite doesn’t need sealing. Is that true?”
The honest answer is simple: It depends…
There’s a lot of confusion surrounding granite care, especially when homeowners are told granite is maintenance-free. The truth is, granite is natural stone, and like anything natural, it varies. Understanding how Granite Countertop Sealing works can help you avoid stains, dullness, and expensive restoration later on.
Let’s clear things up.
Why Granite Countertop Sealing Is Often Misunderstood
Granite is frequently marketed as indestructible. You may have heard phrases like:
“Naturally sealed”
“Non-porous”
“Maintenance-free”
These statements aren’t entirely wrong—but they’re incomplete. Granite is durable, yes. But durability doesn’t mean immunity. Think of granite like a high-quality leather jacket. It’s tough and long-lasting, but without conditioning and protection, it eventually dries out, stains, or loses its appearance.
That’s where Granite Countertop Sealing comes in.
Watch our video on granite cleaning, polishing, and sealing.
The Myth That Granite Is Completely Non-Porous
Many homeowners assume all granite behaves the same. In reality, granite is formed deep within the earth under varying conditions. Some slabs are dense and resist absorption well. Others have microscopic pores that allow liquids to seep in over time.
Even granite that seems resistant at first can become more absorbent as factory sealers wear off.
The result? Water spots, oil stains, and dull areas that slowly appear without warning.
Why Granite Porosity Varies
Not all granite is created equal. Porosity depends on several factors:
- The quarry source
- Mineral composition
- Natural fissures and movement
- The finishing process at the factory
Generally speaking, lighter-colored granites and stones with heavy veining tend to be more absorbent than darker, tight-grained varieties. This is why two neighboring homes with granite countertops may experience completely different results.
The Simple Water Test You Can Do Today
If you’re unsure whether your granite needs sealing, there’s an easy test you can try at home.
Step-by-step test:
- Place a few drops of water on the countertop.
- Wait about 10 minutes.
- Wipe the water away.
Results:
If the stone darkens → your granite needs sealing.
If nothing changes → sealing may still be recommended for protection.
In Southwest Florida, humidity and mineral-rich water often cause sealers to break down faster than homeowners expect.
What Happens When Granite Isn’t Properly Sealed
Unsealed or poorly sealed granite can develop issues that start small but become costly:
- Dark water rings
- Oil or grease stains
- Dull or worn areas
- Discoloration from food acids
Once oil penetrates granite, removal becomes much more difficult. In many cases, professional stain removal or resurfacing is required.
Preventive sealing is almost always less expensive than restoration.
Common Causes of Granite Damage in SW Florida
Southwest Florida presents unique challenges for natural stone:
- High humidity
- Hard water deposits
- Frequent cooking and entertaining
- Cleaning products that leave residue
Many homeowners unknowingly use cleaners that slowly break down sealers. Over time, the granite loses its resistance and becomes vulnerable.
Why DIY Sealers Often Fail
Walk into any hardware store and you’ll see shelves full of stone sealers. Unfortunately, many of these products don’t perform as expected.
Common problems include:
- Sealers sitting on the surface instead of penetrating
- Uneven application
- Streaking or haze
- Short lifespan
Professional-grade sealers applied by Tru-Clean Surface Care are designed to bond within the stone rather than coating it. That difference matters.
The Professional Granite Cleaning Process
Before sealing can even begin, the granite must be properly cleaned. This step is often overlooked.
At Tru-Clean Surface Care, the process typically includes:
- Removing grease and residue buildup
- Neutralizing improper cleaners
- Extracting contaminants from pores
- Preparing the surface for sealing
Sealing over residue traps contamination inside the stone, reducing effectiveness.
How Professional Granite Countertop Sealing Works
Professional Granite Countertop Sealing uses penetrating impregnators that soak into the stone’s microscopic pores.
The process includes:
- Moisture evaluation
- Even application of penetrating sealer
- Proper dwell time
- Controlled curing
A common misconception is that sealing makes granite shiny. It doesn’t. Sealing makes granite resistant, not glossy.
Cleaning vs Polishing: What’s the Difference?
Many homeowners confuse cleaning with polishing.
Cleaning removes dirt and residues.
Polishing restores clarity and light reflection.
Over time, granite can look dull even when clean. Professional polishing refines the surface and brings back that deep, rich appearance without making it look artificial.
How Often Granite Should Be Sealed in Lee, Collier & Charlotte County
For most homes in SW Florida:
- Every 24–36 months is recommended.
- Heavy-use kitchens may require more frequent sealing.
- If water stops beading, it’s time to reseal.
Environmental conditions here simply wear sealers down faster than in cooler, drier climates.
Signs Your Granite Needs Attention
Watch for these warning signs:
- Water soaking in quickly
- Dark spots appearing after spills
- Loss of shine
- Rough or chalky feel
- Etching, water or wine rings, blemishes or cut lines in the stone
Addressing these early prevents permanent staining.
Why Certified Technicians Make a Difference
Granite is an investment, and working with certified professionals matters. Tru-Clean Surface Care technicians are trained and experienced in natural stone care, ensuring:
- Correct product selection
- Proper application methods
- Safe cleaning techniques
- Long-lasting results
Natural stone isn’t something you want to experiment on.
Protecting Your Investment for the Long Term
Your countertops are one of the most used surfaces in your home. Proper cleaning, polishing, and sealing not only protects appearance but also extends the life of the stone.
A well-maintained granite countertop can look new for decades. Neglected granite, on the other hand, can lose its beauty surprisingly quickly.
The Bottom Line on Granite Countertop Sealing
Some granite can survive without sealing—but many types cannot. A simple test today can prevent permanent staining tomorrow. Professional Granite Countertop Sealing provides peace of mind, protection, and preserves the beauty that made you choose granite in the first place.
If you live in Lee, Collier, or Charlotte County, regular professional maintenance ensures your countertops continue to perform as beautifully as they look.
Tru-Clean Surface Care is the “cleaner of choice” to many Southwest Florida interior designers, cabinet makers, realtors, and homeowners desirous of a quality stone cleaning, polishing, and sealing. We are a Stone PRO Professional, a surpHaces Certified PRO Partner, a Certified Partner with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, and A+ Rated by the Better Business Bureau. We KNOW Stone!
To schedule a free estimate or to discuss your stone countertop needs, give us a call at 239-541-4888 (Lee County), 239-206-1935 (Collier County) or 941-621-2198 (Charlotte County). You can also visit us online at https://trucleansurfacecare.com/ or on Facebook for more information about our services, reviews, and samples of our work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Granite Countertop Sealing and Cleaning
- Does every granite countertop need sealing?
Not every granite requires sealing, but many do. Porosity varies widely, and testing is the best way to determine protection needs.
- How long does granite countertop sealing last?
Most professional sealers last between 24 and 36 months, depending on usage and cleaning habits.
- Can sealing make my granite shinier?
No. Sealing protects against absorption. Shine comes from polishing, not sealing.
- Is professional sealing better than store-bought products?
Yes. Professional sealers penetrate deeper and are applied evenly, providing longer-lasting protection.
- How do I know when my granite needs resealing?
If water no longer beads on the surface or darkens the stone after a few minutes, it’s time to reseal.
